The Accumulator Challenge in aid of west Suffolk-based St Nicholas Hospice Care, one of the county’s biggest corporate challenge initiatives, is returning this summer.

After five successful years, organisers are hoping that businesses will match the impressive sums raised in previous years, with the three-month challenge due to start in June.

Since the first Accumulator Challenge in 2010 the firms taking part have raised more than £230,000 for the hospice.

Chartered accountants and chartered tax advisers firm Jacobs Allen is the new sponsor of the challenge this year.

At the start of the three-month challenge – which is supported by the East Anglian Daily Times and Mercury series – each business is handed £50 by the sponsors. They are then charged with turning it into as much money for the hospice as possible.

Over the years creative money-making activities have included wine tasting evenings, mechanical pig racing challenges and go-karting, while more traditional fundraisers such as cake and book sales have also proved very successful.

This year, hospice corporate fundraiser Rachel Card is hoping to persuade as many businesses as possible to take part in what she describes as “a summer of fun and fundraising”.

“I am looking forward to a packed three months of fun,” she said. “In the past I’ve seen the firms taking part getting up to all sorts of innovative fundraising escapades – from fancy dress congas, to competitive rounders tournaments to epic cycle rides – and I’m sure this year will be no different.

“As well as raising much-needed funds, I hope it will be a good team-building exercise and business networking opportunity. Every penny raised will help the Hospice to make living with dying better for people facing long-term and life-threatening illnesses.”

Shelia Burke, a director at Jacobs Allen, said: “Everyone at Jacobs Allen is really thrilled to be sponsoring this year’s Accumulator Challenge in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care. Like the hospice, we are located in Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill.

“We have won the award for the most money raised in the Accumulator Challenge multiple times, including last year when we raised £13,702.58. While we have enjoyed taking part in the challenge, we see our sponsorship as a natural progression of our relationship with the Hospice and are excited to see what this year’s challenge brings.”

Thady Senior, Jacobs Allen marketing manager, said he was happy to offer impartial advice to any businesses looking for fundraising tips.

“It would be great if as many businesses as possible take part and for the challenge to raise even more money for such a worthwhile cause,” he added.

The firms taking part will compete to win the top fundraiser prize. Other accolades, including most innovative idea and small business award, will also be presented at a finals night in September.

For more information or to get involved, contact Rachel on 01284 715560 or email rachel.card@stnh.org.uk For impartial advice, email Thady on thady@jacobsallen.co.uk .